Beach nourishment is the process of pumping sand onto an eroding shoreline to widen the existing beach. Sand is taken from either a sandbar, a dredged inlet, or an offshore borrow site on the ocean floor. Beach nourishment increases defense from coastal storms and beach erosion saving beaches and homes and business that border the beaches. Beach nourishment provides More Beach To Love!

Jennette’s Pier before and after 2012 beach nourishment – via the Town of Nags Head

Here on the Outer Banks, tropical storms and hurricanes are the norm and we usually take a beating from these storms. The last hurricane we experienced, wiped out part of Highway 12 in Kitty Hawk. Beach nourishment, in short, will save the existing shoreline from eroding and prevent some damage when hurricane season rolls around.

Highway 12 in Kitty Hawk after Hurricane Matthew 2016

Not only will beach nourishment protect the Banks from storms, it also allows more space for visitors and locals alike to spread their beach gear out without being on top of each other on nice beach days.

How Will The Beach Nourishment Process Affect Me?

Any given section of beach might be shut down for 4 to 6 days to ensure public safety. Bulldozers, loaders, and excavators will be used in this process. This equipment contains back up lights and alarms so it may be a bit noisy. Shore pipeline will be laid to allow for sand to be pumped from the offshore station to the active construction site. This pipeline will run parallel to the beach so they will be visible, however, sand ramps will be built over the pipelines to allow safe access from the beach to the ocean. All in all, you can still enjoy soaking up the sun, playing in the waves, and spending time with friends and family and make OBX memories that will last a lifetime!